Advice on SBR-ing an AK?

[ashooter]

I see a "hole" in my skills (or lack thereof) being able to effectively run the most prolific rifle on earth and I am shopping for an SAR-2 right now so I can burn a few thousand rds through it in the next few months and try to get competent with the AK system. I DO NOT want to trick it out with optics, lights, etc trying to make it act like an M4. I first want to learn to use a plain jane AK that is a more or less representative sample of what's floating around the world. THEN 6 months from now, assuming I learn to like the system, it might fill a niche for me...

I spend a lot of time out in the boonies, alone, very near the border with Mexico... a LOT. So I ALWAYS wear a handgun, and ALWAYS have a rifle of some sort nearby. An AK SBR with a folding stock would make it easier to stick in the back of my 4-wheeler, or throw in a backpack, and not worry as much about the West Texas dust making it inoperable and not worry as much about it getting banged around.

MY QUESTION: What would be the best/cheapest way to get a decent M92 SBR or convert an SAR-2 into an AK-105 SBR? Not looking for "fit and finish" as most of the finish will get worn off in a couple of months. I just want something that will WORK. Any names of good smiths who do this kindof stuff?

[TOrrock]

Will at Red Jacket will do a great job for a reasonable price and turn around.

http://www.redstick-firearms.com/

I've heard nothing but good about Glen Riddle of Magnum Gunsmithing.

If you want a work of art, Chris Butler will build you one http://www.ak-103.com/

Mario at Piece of History is also good to go http://www.pieceofhistoryfirearms.com/

Troy Sellars at InRange does outstanding work, but it is in very high demand... http://www.inrangec2.com/

Mike Friend at The Firing Line in OK does great work on both milled and stamped receiver rifles. http://www.firinglineoklahoma.com/

Hope that helps, I think that once you learn the strengths and how to work with the ergonomics of the AK you will manage to find room in the safe for a few of them.

[ashooter]

THANKS Templar. I will print this list for future reference.